Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 07/01/201 8
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________
418 - Mental Illness Response 1 POLICY 418 MENTAL ILLNESS RESPONSE
418.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to educate and assist personnel in dealing with individuals who may
suffer from a mental illness or disorder; and describes an officer’s duties when a person is to be
committed to a mental health unit pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code §5150. The
commitment of a person under WIC §5150 does not constitute an arrest. If an officer believes that
a person falls within the provisions of WIC §5150, he/she shall tran sport that person to the
designated facility for evaluation and commitment.
418.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 41.2.7 , 82.2.1
418.2 AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Welfare and Institution Code §5150 when any person, as a result of mental disorder,
is a danger to others, or to himself /herself, or gravely disabled, a peace officer, or other individual
authorized by statute may, upon probable cause, take, or cause to be taken, the person into
custody and place h im/her in a facility designated by the county and approved by the State
Department of Mental Health as a facility for 72 -hour treatment and evaluation.
Such facility shall require an application in writing stating the circumstances under which the
person’ s condition was called to the attention of the officer, or other individual authorized by
statute , has probable cause to believe that the person is, as a result of mental disorder, a danger
to others, or to himself /herself, or gravely disabled. If the prob able cause is based on the
statement of a person other than the officer, or other individual authorized by statute, such person
shall be informed that they may be liable in a civil action for intentionally giving a statement which
he/she knows to be false.
418.3 RECOGNIZED DIAGNOSES
Below is an overview of some of the relevant definitions and indicators related to mental i llness
diagnoses department personnel may encounter during their regular duties . It is important to
understand these definitions in or der to assist you in determining whether or not the individual
with whom you are speaking with is in crisis and/or may fall under the guidelines of WIC §5150.
Bipolar Disorder – Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic -depressive illness, is a type of mood
disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of highs (mania) and lows (depression) in mood.
These episodes involve extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior. Manic symptoms
include extreme irritable, euphoric, or elevated mood; a very inflated sense of self -importance
(grandiosity); increased high -risk behaviors; distractibility; increased energy; and a decreased
need for sleep. Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder involve a period of a pervasive sense of
sadness and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities that interferes with the ability to work
or function. This is a severe condition that can impact a person’s thoughts, sense of self -worth,
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 1/24/2011 07/01/201 8
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________________
418 - Mental Illness Response 2 sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration. It is frequently associated with thoughts of suicide .
The course of a bipolar disorder will demonstrate alternating cycles of a mood disturbance with
repeated episodes of depression, mania, or a mixture of both.
Borderline Personality Disorder – Borderline Personality Disorder causes uncertainty about the
person’s identity or view of themselves. As a result, his or her interests and values can change
rapidly and behavior is fickle and unstable. The individuals affected by the disorder tend to view
things in terms of extremes, such as either all good or all bad. Their views of other people can
change quickly. A person who is looked up to one day may be looked down on the next day.
These suddenly shifting feelings often lead to intense and unstable relationships, extreme fear of
being abandoned, intolerance f or being alone, recurring feelings of emptiness and boredom, and
frequent displays of inappropriate anger and impulsiveness, such as with substance abuse or
sexual relationships. Recurring suicidal behaviors or threats or self -harming behavior, such as
cutting, frequently occur.
Crisis – An individual’s emotional, physical, mental, or behavioral response to an event or
experience that results in trauma. A person may experience crisis during times of stress in
response to real or perceived threats and/or lo ss of control and when normal coping mechanisms
are ineffective. Symptoms may include emotional reactions such as fear, anger, or excessive
giddiness; psychological impairments such as inability to focus, confusion, nightmares, and
potentially even psychos is; physical reactions like vomiting/stomach issues, headaches,
dizziness, excessive tiredness, or insomnia; and/or behavioral reactions including the trigger of a
“fight or flight” response. Any individual can experience a crisis reaction regardless of pr evious
history of mental illness.
Delirium – A state of mental confusion accompanied by delusion s, illusions and hallucinations.
Delirium may be induced by fever, drugs or shock.
Delusions – Delusional persons